By Becky Kiser
Hays Post

The first requests by outside agencies for funding from the city of Hays next year will be presented Thursday night during the city commission work session.

Seven groups from three areas–Social Services, Economic Development and Quality of Life–will make their appeals for a total of $468,755.

The Fort Hays State University Scholarship Program is asking for a $25,000 increase from last year’s award for a total $125,000.

Also requesting increased funds in 2016 are the Ellis County Historical Society, up $379 to a total $12,000, and the Hays Arts Council, up $818 to $12,000.

Funding requests from the four other groups remain the same as they received in 2015:
Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development–$87,550
Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC)–$53,655
Wild West Festival (WWF)–$9,500
Hays Sister Cities Advisory Board–$5,050

A $60,000 budget request was also submitted for Alcohol Tax funds by the United Way of Ellis County CARE Council.

City staff actually begins working on the annual budget process in March, according to Assistant Hays City Manager Paul Briseno.

“The outside agency requests are actually the beginning of the budget process for the public,” he explained.  “From June through August there are a number of opportunities for residents to participate and comment  or just listen to the process regarding our city budget.”

“City staff started working on the 2016 budget in March.  It’s a six-month project and shortly after approval (by the city commissioners) in August, we start all over again.”

See the June 4, 2016, Hays City Commission work session agenda here.